The Haoni are counted as part of the Hani nationality in China, but they speak their own distinct language.

History

The Haoni people have a long history. They were originally part of a larger race known as Heman or Heni during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). These names are still sometimes used today by the various Hani groups. In 1917 the Haoni joined forces with the local Miao and Tai in a five-year battle against oppressive landlords.

Customs

The Haoni live in a harsh environment where it is difficult to grow the food they need. They have long been a poverty-stricken people. In 1955 when the Communist authorities in Mojiang sent cadres to investigate the Haoni, "the sight of abject poverty horrified the investigators. Most of the children were stark naked, and the rags they possessed were hardly enough to go around for adults. Eight villagers of the age of 20 had literally no clothes to wear and six of them were females. One family's belongings amounted to no more than a small iron pot and an earthenware bowl." Today economic improvement has come to the Haoni in the valleys, but the plight of those dwelling on the mountaintops remains much the same.

Religion

The Haoni are rapidly becoming a secularized people. Few of the younger generation observe the intricate superstitions of their parents and grandparents. Traditionally the Haoni were slaves to a multitude of demons and ghosts. This has helped shape the worldview of the Haoni. Some believe "a man's body has nine souls located in the head, mouth, heart, eyes, chest, hands, ears, back, and feet; a woman's body, however, has one more soul located in her breasts."

Christianity

Mojiang County was the center of activity for the German Pentecostal Vandsburger Mission and the Danish Assemblies of God. Between 1940 and 1947 a massive people movement to Christ flourished throughout the area, especially among the Biyo and Kado. Forty thousand tribesmen - 35% of the entire minority population at the time - started following Christ. H. A. Baker, an independent Pentecostal missionary, also ministered widely in the area. Today an estimated 5,000 Haoni Christians meet in scattered churches throughout Mojiang County. Most Haoni use the Chinese language in their services because there has never been any translation work completed in the Haoni language of southern Yunnan.

In 1990 an estimated 100,000 Haoni were located in Mojiang County and surrounding areas of the Yuxi and Honghe prefectures. Honghe (Red River) Prefecture is located in the southern part of Yunnan Province. One village of Haoni people is located in Wuding County in northern Yunnan.
Source:
Operation China, 2000

In 1990 an estimated 100,000 Haoni were located in Mojiang County and surrounding areas of the Yuxi and Honghe prefectures. Honghe (Red River) Prefecture is located in the southern part of Yunnan Province. One village of Haoni people is located in Wuding County in northern Yunnan..
Source:
Operation China, 2000